Woman admits diminished responsibility killing
BBCA woman has admitted the manslaughter of another on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
Patricia Hewitt, 42, killed 56-year-old Angela Lloyd at the victim's home in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, on 13 August 2025, Teesside Crown Court heard.
During a 10-minute-long hearing, Hewitt, from Stanley, denied murder but admitted manslaughter, which was accepted by prosecutors.
She was remanded in a secure hospital ahead of sentencing on 30 July.
The court heard Hewitt had been assessed by several psychiatrists at the request of both prosecutors and the defence.
Prosecutor Jolyon Perks said a guilty plea to manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility was deemed appropriate.
He said he had explained the situation to Angela Lloyd's family and the decision to accept Hewitt's plea had been "reviewed at the highest level" by the Crown Prosecution Service.
